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European Respiratory Review : An... Dec 2023Reduced mobility is a central feature of COPD. Assessment of mobility outcomes that can be measured digitally (digital mobility outcomes (DMOs)) in daily life such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Reduced mobility is a central feature of COPD. Assessment of mobility outcomes that can be measured digitally (digital mobility outcomes (DMOs)) in daily life such as gait speed and steps per day is increasingly possible using devices such as pedometers and accelerometers, but the predictive value of these measures remains unclear in relation to key outcomes such as hospital admission and survival.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, nested within a larger scoping review by the MOBILISE-D consortium, addressing DMOs in a range of chronic conditions. Qualitative and quantitative analysis considering steps per day and gait speed and their association with clinical outcomes in COPD patients was performed.
RESULTS
21 studies (6076 participants) were included. Nine studies evaluated steps per day and 11 evaluated a measure reflecting gait speed in daily life. Negative associations were demonstrated between mortality risk and steps per day (per 1000 steps) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.88, p<0.001), gait speed (<0.80 m·s) (HR 3.55, 95% CI 1.72-7.36, p<0.001) and gait speed (per 1.0 m·s) (HR 7.55, 95% CI 1.11-51.3, p=0.04). Fewer steps per day (per 1000) and slow gait speed (<0.80 m·s) were also associated with increased healthcare utilisation (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.88, p<0.001; OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.42-7.94, p=0.01, respectively). Available evidence was of low-moderate quality with few studies eligible for meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
Daily step count and gait speed are negatively associated with mortality risk and other important outcomes in people with COPD and therefore may have value as prognostic indicators in clinical trials, but the quantity and quality of evidence is limited. Larger studies with consistent methodologies are called for.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Walking Speed; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Hospitalization
PubMed: 37993126
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0134-2023 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023To estimate the incremental yield of detecting pathogenic or likely pathogenic diagnostic genetic variants (DGV) by whole exome sequencing (WES) over standard karyotype... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the incremental yield of detecting pathogenic or likely pathogenic diagnostic genetic variants (DGV) by whole exome sequencing (WES) over standard karyotype and chromosomal microarray (CMA) analyses in fetuses with isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT) and normal fetal anatomy at the time of 11-14 weeks scan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Medline and Embase databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were fetuses with NT >95 percentile, normal karyotype and CMA and no associated structural anomalies at the time of the 11-14 weeks scan. The primary outcome was to estimate the incremental yield of detecting pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants by WES over standard karyotype and CMA analyses in fetuses with isolated increased nuchal translucency. The secondary outcomes were the detection of a genetic variant of unknown significance. Sub-analysis according to different NT cutoffs (between 3.0 and 5.5 mm and > 5.5 mm) and considering fetuses with isolated NT in which fetal anatomy was confirmed to be normal at the anomaly scan were also performed. Random effects model meta-analyses of proportion were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Eight articles (324 fetuses) were included in the systematic review. Of the fetuses with negative standard karyotype and CMA analysis, the 8.07% (95% CI 5.4-11.3) had pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants detected exclusively by WES. When stratifying the analysis according to NT cutoffs, genetic anomalies detected exclusively at WES analysis were found in 44.70% (95% CI 26.8-63.4) of fetuses with NT between 3.0 mm and 5.5 mm and 55.3% (95% CI 36.6-73.2) in those fetuses with NT >5.5 mm and positive WES results. The 7.84% (95% CI 1.6-18.2) had variants of unknown significance identified by WES. When considering fetuses with isolated increased NT and normal fetal anatomy at the anomaly scan, the rate of pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants detected by WES was 3.87% (95% CI 1.6-7.1), while variants of unknown significance were detected in 4.27% (95% CI 2.2-7.0) of cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Pathogenic and likely pathogenic genetic variants detected by WES are present in a significant proportion of fetuses with increased NT but normal standard karyotype and CMA analysis, also when no anomalies are detected at the anomaly scan. Further large studies sharing objective protocols of imaging assessment are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate which gene panels should be assessed in fetuses with isolated increased NT to rule out associated genetic anomalies, which may potentially impact post-natal outcomes.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Nuchal Translucency Measurement; Exome Sequencing; Fetus; Karyotyping; Karyotype; Prenatal Diagnosis
PubMed: 37019452
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2193285 -
European Radiology Oct 2023Delayed post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects changes of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) within the inner ear in Meniere's disease (MD). A systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Delayed post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects changes of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) within the inner ear in Meniere's disease (MD). A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to summarise the diagnostic performance of MRI descriptors across the range of MD clinical classifications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Case-controlled studies documenting the diagnostic performance of MRI descriptors in distinguishing MD ears from asymptomatic ears or ears with other audio-vestibular conditions were identified (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus databases: updated 17/2/2022). Methodological quality was evaluated with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2. Results were pooled using a bivariate random-effects model for evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Meta-regression evaluated sources of heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis for individual clinical classifications was performed.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 66 unique studies and 3073 ears with MD (mean age 40.2-67.2 years), evaluating 11 MRI descriptors. The combination of increased perilymphatic enhancement (PLE) and EH (3 studies, 122 MD ears) achieved the highest sensitivity (87% (95% CI: 79.92%)) whilst maintaining high specificity (91% (95% CI: 85.95%)). The diagnostic performance of "high grade cochlear EH" and "any EH" descriptors did not significantly differ between monosymptomatic cochlear MD and the latest reference standard for definite MD (p = 0.3; p = 0.09). Potential sources of bias were case-controlled design, unblinded observers and variable reference standard, whilst differing MRI techniques introduced heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of increased PLE and EH optimised sensitivity and specificity for MD, whilst some MRI descriptors also performed well in diagnosing monosymptomatic cochlear MD.
KEY POINTS
• A meta-analysis of delayed post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of Meniere's disease is reported for the first time and comprised 66 studies (3073 ears). • Increased enhancement of the perilymphatic space of the inner ear is shown to be a key MRI feature for the diagnosis of Meniere's disease. • MRI diagnosis of Meniere's disease can be usefully applied across a range of clinical classifications including patients with cochlear symptoms alone.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Meniere Disease; Gadolinium; Endolymphatic Hydrops; Ear, Inner; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37171493
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09651-8 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Apr 2024Healthy lifestyle behaviors (LBs) have been widely recommended for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite a large number of studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lifestyle behaviors and risk of cardiovascular disease and prognosis among individuals with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 71 prospective cohort studies.
BACKGROUND
Healthy lifestyle behaviors (LBs) have been widely recommended for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite a large number of studies exploring the association between combined LBs and CVD, a notable gap exists in integration of relevant literatures. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to analyze the correlation between combined LBs and the occurrence of CVD, as well as to estimate the risk of various health complications in individuals already diagnosed with CVD.
METHODS
Articles published up to February 10, 2023 were sourced through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Eligible prospective cohort studies that reported the relations of combined LBs with pre-determined outcomes were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using either a fixed or random-effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were as well performed.
RESULTS
In the general population, individuals with the healthiest combination of LBs exhibited a significant risk reduction of 58% for CVD and 55% for CVD mortality. For individuals diagnosed with CVD, adherence to the healthiest combination of LBs corresponded to a significant risk reduction of 62% for CVD recurrence and 67% for all-cause mortality, when compared to those with the least-healthy combination of LBs. In the analysis of dose-response relationship, for each increment of 1 healthy LB, there was a corresponding decrease in risk of 17% for CVD and 19% for CVD mortality within the general population. Similarly, among individuals diagnosed with CVD, each additional healthy LB was associated with a risk reduction of 27% for CVD recurrence and 27% for all-cause mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Adopting healthy LBs is associated with substantial risk reduction in CVD, CVD mortality, and adverse outcomes among individuals diagnosed with CVD. Rather than focusing solely on individual healthy LB, it is advisable to advocate for the adoption of multiple LBs for the prevention and management of CVD.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: CRD42023431731.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Prospective Studies; Prognosis; Life Style; Healthy Lifestyle; Health Behavior; Exercise; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior
PubMed: 38650004
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01586-7 -
The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology... Oct 2023Convolutional neural networks are a class of deep neural networks used for different clinical purposes, including improving the detection rate of colorectal lesions.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Convolutional neural networks are a class of deep neural networks used for different clinical purposes, including improving the detection rate of colorectal lesions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the performance of convolutional neural network-based models in the detection or classification of colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and other related databases. The performance measures of the convolutional neural network models in the detection of colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer were calculated in the 2 scenarios of the best and worst accuracy. Stata and R software were used for conducting the meta-analysis. From 3368 searched records, 24 primary studies were included. The sensitivity and specificity of convolutional neural network models in predicting colorectal polyps in worst and best scenarios ranged from 84.7% to 91.6% and from 86.0% to 93.8%, respectively. These values in predicting colorectal cancer varied between 93.2% and 94.1% and between 94.6% and 97.7%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios varied between 6.2 and 14.5 and 0.09 and 0.17 in these scenarios, respectively, in predicting colorectal polyps, and 17.1-41.2 and 0.07-0.06 in predicting colorectal polyps. The diagnostic odds ratio and accuracy measures of convolutional neural network models in predicting colorectal polyps in worst and best scenarios ranged between 36% and 162% and between 80.5% and 88.6%, respectively. These values in predicting colorectal cancer in the worst and the best scenarios varied between 239.63% and 677.47% and between 88.2% and 96.4%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic varied between 0.92 and 0.97 in the worst and the best scenarios in colorectal polyps, respectively, and between 0.98 and 0.99 in colorectal polyps prediction. Convolutional neural network-based models showed an acceptable accuracy in detecting colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.
Topics: Humans; Colonic Polyps; Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Sensitivity and Specificity; Neural Networks, Computer
PubMed: 37681266
DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22491 -
Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence 2023Detecting and accurately diagnosing early melanocytic lesions is challenging due to extensive intra- and inter-observer variabilities. Dermoscopy images are widely used...
INTRODUCTION
Detecting and accurately diagnosing early melanocytic lesions is challenging due to extensive intra- and inter-observer variabilities. Dermoscopy images are widely used to identify and study skin cancer, but the blurred boundaries between lesions and besieging tissues can lead to incorrect identification. Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, including vision transformers, have been proposed as a solution, but variations in symptoms and underlying effects hinder their performance.
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review synthesizes and analyzes the literature that uses vision transformers for skin lesion detection.
METHODS
The review follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Revise) guidelines. The review searched online repositories such as IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed to retrieve relevant articles. After screening and pre-processing, 28 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The review found that the use of vision transformers for skin cancer detection has rapidly increased from 2020 to 2022 and has shown outstanding performance for skin cancer detection using dermoscopy images. Along with highlighting intrinsic visual ambiguities, irregular skin lesion shapes, and many other unwanted challenges, the review also discusses the key problems that obfuscate the trustworthiness of vision transformers in skin cancer diagnosis. This review provides new insights for practitioners and researchers to understand the current state of knowledge in this specialized research domain and outlines the best segmentation techniques to identify accurate lesion boundaries and perform melanoma diagnosis. These findings will ultimately assist practitioners and researchers in making more authentic decisions promptly.
PubMed: 37529760
DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1202990 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023We aimed to assess the association between rapid antigen detection tests and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay for severe acute... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Association Between Rapid Antigen Detection Tests and Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
We aimed to assess the association between rapid antigen detection tests and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and the Web of Science from their inception to 31 May 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate false positives in the RADTs group, relative to those in the RT-PCR group, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on the different Ct value cut-offs (<40 or ≥40). We performed this study in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Fifty-one studies were included and considered to be of moderate quality. We found a satisfactory overall false positive rate (0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.01) for the RADTs compared to RT-PCR. In the stratified analysis, we also found that the false positive rates of the RADTs did not increase when Ct values of RT-PCR (Ct < 40, 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.01; Ct ≥ 40, 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.01). In conclusion, the best available evidence supports an association between RADTs and RT-PCR. When Ct-values were analyzed using cut-off <40 or ≥40, this resulted in an estimated false positive rate of only 1%.
Topics: Humans; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reverse Transcription; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 37588042
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605452 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2023Otolaryngological diagnoses, such as otitis media, are traditionally performed using endoscopy, wherein diagnostic accuracy can be subjective and vary among clinicians.... (Review)
Review
Otolaryngological diagnoses, such as otitis media, are traditionally performed using endoscopy, wherein diagnostic accuracy can be subjective and vary among clinicians. The integration of objective tools, like artificial intelligence (AI), could potentially improve the diagnostic process by minimizing the influence of subjective biases and variability. We systematically reviewed the AI techniques using medical imaging in otolaryngology. Relevant studies related to AI-assisted otitis media diagnosis were extracted from five databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and IEEE Xplore, without date restrictions. Publications that did not relate to AI and otitis media diagnosis or did not utilize medical imaging were excluded. Of the 32identified studies, 26 used tympanic membrane images for classification, achieving an average diagnosis accuracy of 86% (range: 48.7-99.16%). Another three studies employed both segmentation and classification techniques, reporting an average diagnosis accuracy of 90.8% (range: 88.06-93.9%). These findings suggest that AI technologies hold promise for improving otitis media diagnosis, offering benefits for telemedicine and primary care settings due to their high diagnostic accuracy. However, to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes, further improvements in diagnostic performance are necessary.
PubMed: 37762772
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185831 -
South African Family Practice :... Aug 2023In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronary artery disease (CAD) as the leading cause of death globally for the last 20 years. Early screening and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronary artery disease (CAD) as the leading cause of death globally for the last 20 years. Early screening and detection (primary prevention) and intervention (secondary prevention) are necessary to curb CAD and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) prevalence. A scoping review to assess the current literature on using cardiac scoring systems to predict CAD and MACE was performed.
METHODS
The research question 'What is the literature on using cardiac scoring systems to predict CAD and MACE?' was addressed. The updated Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews methodologies were used. The search terms 'coronary artery disease' and 'cardiac scoring systems' and 'major adverse cardiovascular events' were used in the Boolean search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, MedLine and Cochrane Library.
RESULTS
The final list consisted of 19 published English results after the year 2000. There were six results without participants (four clinical guidelines, one review article and one ongoing clinical trial). Scoring systems were cardiovascular risk estimation systems focusing on the primary prevention of CAD; MACE was discussed but not scored. There were 13 robust results published from completed multinational clinical trials with participants. These results focused on a scoring system for the secondary prevention of CAD and MACE.
CONCLUSION
Scoring systems remain an objective method for primary and secondary prevention of CAD and MACE.Contribution: Scoring systems may be helpful with clinical uncertainty or to standardise patient results for comparison in research.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Clinical Decision-Making; Uncertainty; Heart; Cardiovascular System
PubMed: 37782230
DOI: 10.4102/safp.v65i1.5683 -
European Journal of Orthodontics Nov 2023There are a few hypotheses for the origin of palatally impacted canines (PIC). Nevertheless, the results of different studies are controversial. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There are a few hypotheses for the origin of palatally impacted canines (PIC). Nevertheless, the results of different studies are controversial.
OBJECTIVE
Considering the evidence available in the literature to determine the skeletal and dentoalveolar dimensions in patients with PIC using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
SEARCH METHODS
This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement. The literature search with no publication date restriction in five databases and hand searching was performed until April 2023.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data assessing the skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics of subjects with PIC evaluated with CBCT was extracted, and the studies' quality was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Skeletal and dentoalveolar characteristics of subjects with PIC were compared with non-impacted subjects or non-impacted sides. MedCalc software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square and I-square tests.
RESULTS
The initial database search identified a total of 1153 studies. After applying the selection criteria, nine articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. According to the NOS, all included articles were graded as "Good" quality. The meta-analysis showed a non-significant difference in measuring dentoalveolar height, alveolar first molar width, and basal lateral width. Controversial results were observed when evaluating both basal and alveolar first premolar widths. A significant difference was found when assessing anterior alveolar crest height and basal maxillary width.
CONCLUSIONS
Studies demonstrated the reduction of both dentoalveolar and skeletal maxillary parameters of the patients with PIC. The meta-analysis indicated that PIC correlates to both vertical and transverse skeletal dimensions of the maxilla. However, the results remain controversial. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to different study designs and unbalanced groups in the included studies; therefore, further research is needed for more reliable conclusions.
REGISTRATION
This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42022362124).
Topics: Humans; Maxilla; Cuspid; Incisor; Alveolar Process; Molar; Tooth, Impacted; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
PubMed: 37552898
DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjad050